Live Auction 9747Old Master & British Drawings & Watercolours
J. François Saher (active in Germany, 18th Century)
Lot 53

J. François Saher (active in Germany, 18th Century)

The front elevation and ground plan of the Sun Temple at the Hermitage in Bayreuth in Germany

Closed5 December 2013

Price Realised

GBP 12,500

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J. François Saher (active in Germany, 18th Century)
The front elevation and ground plan of the Sun Temple at the Hermitage in Bayreuth in Germany
signed 'F. Saher' and inscibed 'Zeichnung des Sonnentempels der Ermitage beÿ Baÿreuth'
pen and black ink, watercolour and bodycolour, pen and black ink framing lines, on two joined sheets
24¼ x 28½ in. (61.6 x 72.5 cm.)

Specialist note

This remarkable building, part of the New Palace complex, was built in 1750 by Wilhemine (1709-1758), wife of Margrave Friedrich of Bayreuth and sister of Frederick the Great of Prussia. She was responsible for much of the architectural and garden design at the Hermitage. Based on set designs by the architect Galli Bibiena, who spent some time in Bayreuth, the Temple flattered Margrave Friedrich with comparisons to Apollo, while the wings on either side housed greenhouses and aviaries for the Margravine's collection of exotic plants and birds.